When foreign nationals want to come to the United States to improve their life and career prospects they face a tricky Catch 22 situation.
It’s much easier to find a job in the United States but they won’t be eligible for a visa unless they have a job or are enrolled on a course.
We see this issue with a lot of people we help who are not able to get a job because they don’t have a work visa.
How foreign nationals can find work
Here are some tips to finding a job in the U.S. from abroad.
1 Scour a Wide Range of Sources
The site Just Landed provides a list of resources to help you find jobs and make contacts.
They include online directories like CareerBuilder.com, state employment service centers, head hunting agencies, chambers of commerce and networking. It often pays to have someone in the U.S. who can help you.
2 Revise Your Resume
You should remove indications on your resume that you are a foreign worker. Highlight skills that are relevant to the United States. Many U.S. employers will immediately pass you over if they realize they need to sponsor you for a work visa from the outset. Instead, get them interested in what you have to offer.
3 Have a U.S. Address
If you are applying for employment from another country, it’s useful to have an address in the United States such as that of a friend or a family member to ensure your application is not immediately rejected.
4 Have Internship Work in the U.S. Under Your Belt
It’s important to secure an internship in the United States as soon as possible. Work experience in the United States will look good on your resume and help convince a prospective employer that you are familiar with the American working culture.
5 Be Familiar with Visas
If you know about the visa process and which visa you need to apply for it will make you appear more knowledgeable and serious during an interview. As we explain on our website, there is a bewildering array of visas available to you. An experienced Austin immigration lawyer can help you work through the process. Highlight your benefits with a potential employer. Do your homework and be ready to give visa suggestions.
6 Avoid Talking About Sponsorship
Sometimes employers can get fazed by the idea of sponsorships. The concept of sponsoring someone sounds daunting and expensive. Instead, sell your skills. Say you are eligible for employment and the employer simply needs to petition. Try not to overwhelm a prospective employer with the intricacies of the immigration system.
The high demand for foreign workers in industries such as technology confirms overseas workers are in demand. However, many employers can see the immigration process as a headache and would rather not go through it. These simple tips can help you secure a job from abroad.
Our Austin visa lawyers advise companies and workers on the necessary documentation to work in the United States. Call us at (512) 399-2311.